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Description

A Linux smart home is about controlling and monitoring devices and
information around your home using a standard personal computer,
Linux, and its vast array of open source tools. You don’t
have to be a master programmer to create one. If you like to tinker
with Linux, Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will guide you
through cool home automation projects that are as much fun to work
on as they are to use.

Home automation used to be limited to turning on lights and
appliances, and maybe controlling your thermostat and lawn
sprinkler, from your computer. While you still might not be able to
create all the Jetsons’ toys, today you can also

Build a wireless network

Create and set up a weather station

Automate your TV and sound system

Spy on your pets when you’re not home

Set up an answering system that knows what to do with
calls

Increase your home’s security

If you know how to use Linux and a few basic development tools
— Perl, the BASH shell, development libraries, and the GNU C
compiler—Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will help you
do all these tricks and more. For example, you can

Discover the best sources for Linux-based home automation
devices

Set up a wireless network, create a wireless access point,
build a bridge between wired and wireless networks, and route your
own network traffic

Build a personal video recorder with MythTV that will record to
DVD, or set up a wireless streaming music system

Create a smart phone system that takes messages and forwards
them to your fax, modem, or answering machine

Build a weather station that notifies you of severe weather
alerts

Control and secure your home automation network, and even check
on your house when you’re away

The bonus CD-ROM includes all kinds of cool open source software
for your home automation projects. Linux Smart Homes For
Dummies even includes lists of cool gadgets to check out and
great ways to automate those boring household chores. A smart
home’s a happy home!

Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success.